Celebrating the Diversity and Inclusion Champions of Different Sizes

The awards were presented to local authorities in categories based on population size, both above and below 50,000 inhabitants.  Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli presented the Award for the category over 50,000 inhabitants. Gold Award went to Zagreb, Croatia for its comprehensive policies supporting persons with disabilities, LGBTI persons, migrants, and the Roma community. Växjö Kommun in Sweden came second for its comprehensive approach to integrating gender perspectives into its policies and programs. La Laguna, Spain was honored with the bronze award for its initiatives and policies addressing gender, migrants, disability, age, LGBTIQ, ethnicity, and religion.

“Today's winners are outstanding examples of what both big and small cities, municipalities or regions can achieve in the pursuit of equality, inclusion, and diversity”
 Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality

In the category of local authorities under 50,000 inhabitants, the winners came from Italy and Spain. Gold Award went to Corbetta, Italy, which impressed with its extensive initiatives with an intersectional lens, particularly concerning people with disabilities, women, and LGBTIQ individuals. Miranda de Ebro in Spain received the Silver Award for its innovative House of Equality, a central hub for programs addressing various forms of discrimination. Bronze was awarded to the Spanish town of Casares for its commendable ambition and commitment to promoting equality and inclusion.

Specific Award for local authorities enabling safe towns, cities and regions for women in all their diversity

This year’s specific category was dedicated to local authorities enabling safe towns, cities and regions for women in all their diversity, by addressing violence against women. Here, Gold Award went to the Slovene capital, Ljubljana, for its comprehensive support system for survivors of violence and collaboration with NGOs. Miranda de Ebro in Spain earned Silver award for its multifaceted approach involving policymakers, educators, social services, and civil society in creating safe spaces for women. The Bronze Award went to Växjö in Sweden for its strategic planning in funding, support, and awareness-raising to address violence against women.

Audience's Choice

The participants had the chance to vote for their favourite among the seven winners. The Award was presented by Director-General Ana Gallego from DG JUST, who congratulated the winners and encouraged municipalities, cities and regions from all corners of Europe to participate in upcoming edition. The public vote award went to Corbetta, reinforcing its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Mayor Marco Ballarini expressed his hope that this recognition would inspire other cities across Europe.

Relive the excitement of the event by exploring the vibrant photos and highlights here. And for those who missed the ceremony, you can catch the full recording here.